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Planning for the northern archipelago’s Easter fires begins around Christmas. According to tradition, you should start collecting used Christmas trees and other wood for the fire. For the most dedicated spruce growers, there will be a competition over who can collect the most spruce and get the most fire.
ALSO READ: The Battle for the Spruces: Unique Tradition or War Derailed?
This is the second year the Easter fires have been lit during the ongoing pandemic. For this reason, the municipality urges the islanders not to gather around the fires.
– We absolutely do not want people to gather in groups. It is an ongoing pandemic in which the spread of the infection is increasing throughout the region. Therefore, we urge residents not to gather in crowds that risk increasing the spread of the infection, says the municipality’s security coordinator, Andréas Alderblad, who adds:
– We know that the tradition is to make Easter bonfires and that it brings people together, but it can be considered an activity that requires permission in the form of a public meeting.
Andréas Alderblad, head of security protection in the municipality of Öckerö. Photo: Öckerö municipality
Charlotta Henriksson, Öckerö municipal police, says that the organizers of the Easter bonfires have applied for a permit for a public gathering in previous years.
A meeting is public when it is organized for the public; an example the police take is a celebration of the Walpurgis Mass, not unlike an Easter bonfire. Currently, public gatherings with more than eight people are not allowed.
This year, no requests have been received for a general gathering for any Easter bonfire in Öckerö, according to Charlotta Henriksson.
Police operation in Öckerö during Easter
As in previous years, the police have an operation during Easter in the municipality of Öckerö.
– It is about order, the traffic situation but it is also communicative where we talk and inform people about what applies. Our efforts in previous years have been successful, says Charlotta Henriksson.
Like the municipality, the police also urge to avoid crowds at Easter.
– Of course. It is clear that we appeal to personal responsibility in view of the current pandemic. Tutors should also have a conversation with youth and children, says Charlotta Henriksson.
READ MORE: The Spruce War: theft, community and lore
READ MORE: The fir killer in Delsjön: when the trees turned into a cold case
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